UK faces Jammie Dodger shortage as factory workers vote to strike over pay
The UK could face a shortage of Jammie Dodgers and Wagon Wheels this month because factory workers are threatening to go out on strike.
Production could grind to a halt at Burton Biscuits’ Edinburgh factory, which also manufactures Maryland cookies, after staff demanded a 7% pay rise.
The GMB Union, which represents employees, said the 1.6% increase that had been offered was ‘derisory’ and showed management ‘do not value’ their workers.
But the company has hit back, saying the union’s demands are unreasonable in the current economic climate.
More than 400 people are employed at the factory, which makes around 7.5 million biscuits a day.
GMB members at the plant voted by 91% for industrial action and the first 24-hour strike is scheduled to take place from 6am on Wednesday, September 9.
There are then two further planned strikes, scheduled for 6am on September 16 and 6am on September 23.
‘Burton’s stubborn stance on this year’s pay offer is an insult to staff that have worked throughout the lockdown at management’s insistence,’ GMB Scotland organiser Benny Rankin said.
‘Burton’s derisory pay offer holds a mirror up to this management – they clearly do not value the contribution of their staff and have no interest in recognising and rewarding them properly.’
He added: ‘Their refusal to meaningfully engage with a workforce that deserve so much better means we have been left with little choice but to strike for a decent pay offer.’
A Burton’s Biscuit Co spokesman said the company was ‘shocked’ at the GMB’s request for a 7% pay rise but was ‘always open to meaningful discussions on pay’.
He accused the union of not sharing offers about pay and flexible working openly with members and revealed there has been a £1.2 million impact on the bakery during the coronavirus pandemic.
The spokesman said: ‘Against the backdrop of growing economic uncertainty, the country entering a depression and rising levels of unemployment, we have made what we consider to be a series of very fair and reasonable offers, enabling us to provide job security alongside increased earnings.
‘Alongside the challenging environment, this action may only serve to jeopardise our employees’ ongoing job security.
‘Our desire is to find a mutually acceptable solution for our colleagues and the business, and we are willing to resume discussions with employees’ representatives at the earliest opportunity.
‘We also hope that we can return to full production as soon as possible and move forward in a spirit of unity and co-operation in a safe, enjoyable and productive working environment.’
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